Meet Liam John Alex

[Updated 12/19/16] Understandably, 11-year-old Liam’s mom, Lynn Alex, will first use the adjective “autistic” to describe him. There is no doubt that this is the first thing you do need to understand about Liam. But, when Lynn posted one of Liam’s drawings on Facebook, I saw another prominent feature of his personality: Artist.

As a children’s picture book author, I review the portfolios of many artists. Let’s face it; art is subjective. But, I think I have a pretty good eye for talent. I asked Lynn to provide more pictures of Liam’s drawings so that I could share them with you. Let’s see if you see what I see. 🙂

This is Liam’s most recent work:

Christmas Card Contest, 2016

Cubist Evergreen Tree, 2016

Holland Tulips in One Point Perspective

“Tree” by Liam John Alex. Texture and color. This little boy gets it.

“Snowman” by Liam John Alex. Note the shading and shadow. The beautiful green, splash of color from the birds, and the falling snow.

“Ornaments” by Liam John Alex. He draws the filament inside the bulbs and the glow on the outside. I’m in awe that a 10-year-old thinks to capture the details of the lights.

“Bird” by Liam John Alex. I love the contrasting earth tones in the leaves with the colorful feathers. It’s a detail I think most kids (and adults) would skip.

10-year-old Liam John Alex

John Liam Alex is an 11-year-old autistic child. He continues to show his talent as an artist. Among his favorite things to read is the National Geographic Animal Encyclopedia. (What he’s reading in the picture below, left.) Liam lives with his mother, Lynn, and his father, Scott, in Hammonton, NJ.

Oh, the joys of (grand) parenting!

Share your story and you might win a copy of In Nana’s Arms.

My first grandchild, Louis, was born in 2012. I was lucky to get a lot of time with him the first year or so of his life. Now he lives far away, but that it is another story.

Grandparenting beats the heck out of parenting. This is where being older has its benefits. I’m calmer; more patient. I’ve learned a lot from the 20-year-old me that raised my son. It’s a do-over that you rarely get in life.

His angel face inspired a poem.

When my grandson was a baby, he was napping in my arms. I was looking at his angel face and was inspired to write a poem about being a grandmother. Holding him snugly in one arm, I grabbed my iPhone and, with one thumb, typed the first draft.I didn’t want to wake him, but I didn’t want to lose that beautiful moment of inspiration.

Eventually, I had it illustrated by two different artists and published both versions on Amazon. It is called In Nana’s Arms. One version features the artwork of Carlos Brito; the other features Karissa Hunter’s work. I’m coming close to publishing the Spanish version, En los Brazos de Abuela.

I’d like to know how being a grandparent has changed your life. Or has it? Do you remember the first time you held your grandchild in your arms? What was it like?

Share you story in the comments below.

If I select yours as a favorite, you’ll win a copy* of In Nana’s Arms eBook.

*You can read In Nana’s Arms on any device using the Kindle app. Download it here. Follow Aviva on Twitter @AvivaGittle or sign up for the Gittle newsletter to find out if you’re a winner. You’ll need to send Aviva your email address so she can gift you the book through Amazon. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose.

To buy “In Nana’s Arms” please click a book cover or here. Learn more about Aviva and Aviva Gittle Publishing here.

How has being a grandparent changed your life?

My first grandchild, Louis, was born in 2012. I was lucky to get a lot of time with him the first year or so of his life. Now he lives far away, but that it is another story.

“I was looking at his angel face and was inspired to write a poem.”

When he was a baby, he was napping in my arms. I was looking at his angel face and was inspired to write a poem about being a grandmother. I grabbed my iPhone and, with one hand, typed the first draft. Eventually, I had it illustrated by two different artists and published it on Amazon. It is called “In Nana’s Arms.” I’m in the process of making some changes to the original book (including changing “Nana” to “Grandma” since more people can relate to that). I’m also coming close to publishing the Spanish version, En los Brazos de Abuela, which has gone through many iterations. It’s not easy to translate rhymes into another language.

I’d like to know how being a grandparent has changed your life. Or has it? Do you remember the first time you held your grandchild in your arms? What was it like?

Share you story here.

If you are interested in buying “In Nana’s Arms” please click on “Store” in the menu.